This year marks the 20th anniversary of local organisation Youth Express.
Youth Express was established in 1993 through a partnership between Maitland Business Chamber, local businesses and industry and education representatives.
Its purpose is to assist young people in the transition from school to work, encouraging participation in Vocational Education and Training (VET) and School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, whilst working with business and industry to address skills and training needs.
Youth Express began with only one staff member and now has 15 staff and operates across two offices within the Hunter region. They work with 26 local schools and over 3,000 local businesses and industry partners.
Some of the services Youth Express offer to business and industry include:
- Work Placements
Engaging in a work placement program allows organisations to assess the potential of young workers before engaging them in formal employment, whilst contributing to the education of the future workforce.
- School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program
This provides students with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognised qualification as well as their HSC, whilst organisations have the chance to employ a young person who can contribute to the future skill needs of an organisation.
- School Business Community Partnership Brokers Program
This program proactively encourages a collaborative process to address current and future skill shortages within industry.
